Polenta With Kale and Portobello Mushrooms (Rachael Ray)

JanuaryBride's Note:

This is a fast and inexpensive vegetarian meal from Rachael Ray's $10 spot. States this is a great freezer meal, all you need to do is assemble then freeze; when you are ready to cook it, just let it thaw in the fridge and bake it as written below.

• Total Time: 50 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• ¾ cup instant polenta
• 3 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 ½ tablespoons butter
• 4 ounces portobello mushroom caps , coarsely chopped
• 1 bunch kale , stems trimmed and leaves chopped (about 12 ounces)
• 1 ½ tablespoons flour
• 1 cup milk
• 3 ounces provolone cheese , shredded (about 3/4 cup)

Directions:

1. Grease an 8-inch square baking dish. In a heavy, medium saucepan, bring 3 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt to a boil over high heat (you may want to sub out water/salt for vegetable broth). Add the polenta in a thin stream, whisking constantly.
2. Lower the heat and simmer, stirring constantly, until thick, 5 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Spread evenly in the prepared baking dish.
3. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring frequently, until golden, about 5 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons water, then add the kale in batches, allowing each batch to wilt slightly before adding the next. Cook, stirring, until tender, about 8 minutes; season with salt and pepper.
4. In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until golden, about 3 minutes. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking, and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes; season with salt and pepper.
5. Preheat the oven to 400°. Top the polenta with the kale mixture. Spoon the cream sauce evenly over the kale mixture and top with the provolone. Bake until warmed through, about 15 minutes. Increase the temperature to 450° and bake until golden, about 5 minutes.

Reviews

[Strawberry_sunshine]

Delicious!!! I made this using veggie stock for the polenta and almond milk for the sauce. So good. sure to become a staple in my house!

[Chef #1092552]

Most of my family loved this dish. I have made it twice in about three months, if that says anything. I made it both times exactly to the recipe, and will make again.